When you decorate your home with 26 holiday trees, 20 wreaths, an M&M Christmas character stairway, dozens of Santa figurines, lighted snowmen, a bouncing animated Tigger figure and a talking fir tree named Douglas, why not share it with the public?

Better yet — why not tie it to a local cause?

That’s exactly what Debby and Lynn Willis are doing with their Empty Stocking Fund Open House on Dec. 15.

Subjects of an after- Christmas story that appeared in The St. Augustine Record in January, the couple promised to open their home to others this December.

Individuals and families are invited to view the holiday decor from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and, hopefully, said Debby, “they will leave an optional donation for the Empty Stocking Fund.”

Decorating began around Nov. 1 in order to have everything ready for their annual ornament swap and party for friends in early December.

They also have a party so neighbors can enjoy the decorations and, prior to the Empty Stocking Fund display, they host two benefits for local animal shelters.

The decor is not limited to the inside of the house.

While Debby concentrated on the interior, Lynn trimmed the exterior of the house, trees and yard in blue LED lights blended into a sign urging peace.

A projector flashes a blue Nativity scene.

The Willis’s home is located at 740 S. Heritage Creek Way, off Lewis Speedway in Heritage Park’s New Hope Village.

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The Willis's willingness to open their home to strangers, in order to help strangers in need, is a genuine show of generosity and compassion befitting the season. I plan to stop by and make a donation and say thanks to Lynn and Debby.